Coupling



w. 1. HOLLICK.

COUPLING.

APPLICATJON FILED MAY19,1919.

1,425,525. Patented Aug. 15, m22,

VA l s SHEETS-SHEET 1. ff/Gl W. J. HOLL-IGK.

COUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED IIIAY I9. ISIIQ,

Patented Aug Li @El 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

AZ/ 3.3 Jo O l Unire-o SFiiirfs(s @Maremma WALTER .roma nomen, or MANCHESTER, ENGLeim `I Speciication'of ietters Patent, I Patented Aug- .-15 1922,

Appiicafion area may. ie, 1919. seriai No. 298,242.

l To alf/whom t may. concern: i

Beit known that I vllVaIfitEiz JoHiv'-Hoi.- LICK, a 'subject ofthe and-Ireland, and-a resident of Manchester,

in the county of Lancaster, England, havel ing two co-operating members, 'one of said members comprisingone orino're pins or the like (hereinafter referred to as pins) and the other of said 'members comprising three sets of ratchet-like teeth or cam surfaces (hereinafter referred to as cam-surfaces),

the cam surfaces of two of the sets being so connected by throiigh slotsthat when the tw'o .members are brought together the pins of the one member are guided through vthe slots, or a s et of slots, of the other member and strike the third set of cam surfaces andare thereby moved angularly relatively tothe slots whereby'a slight movement between the two members in the reverse or disengagi'ng direction causes the pins to engage the -second set of cam surfaces and couple or con'- nect the two members; while on a further slight movement between the members in the initial or engaging direction, the pins again strike the third setof cam surfaces and are again given an angular movement so that on movement between the members in the disengagingdirection the pins area guided through the slots, or a set of slots, and the members are separated. Y

Devices of the kind referred to are capable of only limited use or practical application owing to the fact that the relative movements between the members which result in their separation might at times occur unintentionally, or even be unavoidable, andv unintentional separation ,take place. The object of this invention is to prevent uninten tional separation of the members of a device of the said kind and so render such devices applicable for a considerably greater variety of uses or purposes than they are at present.

The invention `resides, essentially, in 'combining with a device of the kind specified, latching or locking means 4which .prevent unintentional relative movementbetween the members of the device or which render such movement ineiective.

"In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is- "a developed view ofthe three sets of cam king ofI Great Britain complementary pin member. ngs, of which the 'following surfaces and slots of one member of a device of the kind referred to, and Figs. 2 and 3 "are respectively a section and an elevation of embodiments of such member. Fig. 4 is an elevation and a yplan of one form of Fig. 5 is an elevation of another form of in member. Fig. 6 is an elevation, and Fig. is a section of two embodiments of another form of complementary pin member. Fig. 8 is an elevation, partly in section, and Fig. 9 is aview,

also partly in section andat r1 ht angles to F ig. 8, of one embodiment of t e invention. Fig. 10 is an elevation, and Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are longitudinal sections, and Fig. 14 is a transverse section of Fig. 13 illustrating other embodiments of the invention. Fig. 15 is an elevation; partly in section, and Fig. 16 a section of further embodiments of the invention. Figs.'17, 1,8, 19 and 20 are sections of further embodiments of the invention. Fig. 21 is a sectional plan, and F ig."22 a vertical section of another embodiment of the invention, and Figs. 23, 24 and 25 are sections on the lines W-W, X-X and YY, respectively, in Fig.y 22. Fig. 26 is a vertical section, Fig. 27 a sectional plan of a further-embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 28 is a section onthe line Z-Z in Fig. 26. VF ig. 29 is a vertical section of a modit`ication of the embodiment shown in Figs.

` 26, 27 and 28. Fig. 30 is an elevation and 'throu h slots between the first and second plementary couplin member is in the form ,-of a lforked part c', ig. 6, the limbs of which carry thev pins h and are adapted topass over the male partl f, Fig. 2 3, or is in .the form of a female part j, Fig. '7, carrying device itself.

internal pins lz and',adapted to be entered by the male part f. In either case the three sets of cam surfaces and the pins h must be capable of relatively angular movement. This may be effected as hitherto by adapting either the three sets ofcam surfaces, or

the pins, or both theset of cam surfacesy and the pins, to have angular movement. Conveniently, the female part e, Fig. 2, and the male part f, Fig. 3, may be pivoted at .1c to rotate or swivel about a longitudinal axis in or on a shackle m or'other support, or the pins h, Fig. 4, may be constituted by the vends of a cross-piece n pivoted on the male part g, or the pins may be provided on a ring j* rotatably mounted in a recess jl in the female part y', Fig. 7, and retained by an annular plate jz and screws f3. In any case, when the two coupling members are brought together, the pins la. are guided by the camvsurfaces a through the slots d and strike the surfaces c1, Fig. 1, of the'third set c when, due to relative angular movement between the members, the pins are moved out of alignment with the slots so that on the members moving to a slight extent in the opposite direction, the pins engage the surfaces bl'of the second set b and are retained in the'angles between said surfaces and the following surfaces b2. On the membersbeing again moved in the initial direction the pins k strike the surfaces c2 of the third set 'and are again given a relative angular movement whereby on the members being again moved in the opposite direction, the pins strikethe surfaces :b2 of the second set b and are uided through the slots d;

As be ore stated, the presentinvention consists in providinga coupling or like deviceof the kind describedwith latching or llocking means for preventing unintentional .separation of the connected members of the device.

Various forms of latching or locking means may be employed according to the particular purpose for which -the device is used and the particular arrangement ofthe F i's. 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of the -device and invention especially applicable for connecting ships` boats'to their raising and lowering tackle. In thisembodiment, the three setsof cam surfaces are formed on the exterior of a malefmember f which is connected to a block of the tackle. Thepinsuh are provided on a ring j* rotatably mounted in a carrier at thei end of a stirrup o. The carrier comprises a lseat o1 formed integral with the .limbs of the ,stirrup, and a retaining annulus o2 secured to the seatlo1 by bolts o,s passing .throughv lugs 0, 0F on the two parts.. The end o6A (if the stirrup is mounted` to swivel-in a'link or bracket p on the boat. In the limbs ofthe stirrup is mounted a rotatable shaft'g formed Atrace o.

.gagement ,l t n v Figs.. 13' and- 14 v illustrate another'A em with a cam-like enlargement 1^ and provided with hand-levers s which are so weighted that the enlargement 1* is normally projected towards the pin ring j". To connect the members of the device, the shaft q is rotated by operating one of the levers s to nection, and the members of the device are locked in the coupled position until the enlargement r' is moved clear of the inner end of the member f.

The embodiment Shown in Fig. 10 is especially applicable as a rope, chain or like connection for vehicle draw-gear, harness traces and such like.` In this case, the pins k are provided on the limbs of aclevis z' which is illustrated as embracin a vehicle frame member t, and the sets o `cam surfaces are formedy on a. male member f mounted to rotate on a pin u carried by the When the 'membersof the device are connected, a .pin w is fitted in holes provided for the purpose in the limbs of the clevis i' which pin' lies behind the male member f and prevents relativelaxial movement between same and the clevis, thus locking the members of the device in the coupled position. On lthe removal of the pin w they members of the device can be separated in the usual way. v A

In Fig. 411, which illustrates an embodiment especiallyv applicable for. conectlng pipes, rods, chains and the like, the camsurfaces are formed on a spigot member z and the pins areprovid'ed inthe interior'of a socket member 2. The spigot member 2,

is screw-threaded to receive. a lock nut 3, which, when the members are-connected. is

tightened up against the end ofthe socket l members and disconnectionA ot member a is provided .with an abutment*-4 4 to which a s ring 'washer -5 isattached by a rivet 6. n4 the two members being ,brought togetherl to couple -thespring .washer. v5 bears 'against the endjof the socket member 2 and 1s' compressed' and then reacts to engage the pins h with the-'second set of cam-surfacesA andfmaintain' the enbodiment with sprint` latchingmeans suit able for connecting rods, ropes, chains and the like. Inthis embodiment', the cam surother end is provided with a head 13 between which and the cross-piece 11 a spiral spring V14 is mounted on the stem. When the cross-piece 8 enters the female member e it bears against the head 13 and compresses the spring 14 which re-acts to engage the pins h with the second set'` of cam surfaces and maintain the engagement.

Fig. 15 illustrates a further embodiment,

with spring latching means which isespecially applicable for use as a door stop, and for securing hinged, pivoted and sliding doors, hatches, lids, flaps, drawers, windows and the like. In this form of device the pins k are, as in the previous case, constituted by the ends of a cross-piece 8 on a stem 9 and the cam surfaces are formed in a female member e rotatably mounted in a holder or 'casing 7. The latter also has mounted in it a spiral spring 14, one end of which .is secured, conveniently by a screw 15, to the base or back plate 16 of the holder or casing.

In the modification of the last embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16 and shown applied to a pivoted window, the holder or casing7 is mounted in the window frame 17 and the stem 9 is mounted on the window 18to slide through a recess 19 therein and cover-plates 20, 20a. A spiral spring 14 is mounted on the -stem 91.and thrusts against the cover plate 2O and a collar 9a on the stem. The

latter is provided with a finger piece 9" whereb it can be pushed forward. against the action of the spring to causeit to co-act with the third set of cam surfaces provided on the interior of the female member e in the holder or casing 7, and rotate the member e so that on the stem 9 -being released and retracted by the spring, the pins either engage the second set of cam surf-aces and are retained in engagement therewith, or are free to pass through the slots d, Fig. 1.

Figs. 17, 18, and 19 and 2() illustrate ,embodiments applicable as ress-button or like fasteners for gloves, cu s, boots and other articles of wearing apparel, music and like cases, bags, pouches, belts, wristlet straps, the'fabric coverings of tents, motor vehicle hoods and the like, as collarstuds, and other purposes for which such and like devices are used.V In Fig. 17 the pins h are constituted by the ends of a cross-piece8 on a stem 9 which is provided with an enlarged or other appropriate base 21, and the sets of cam surfaces are formed on the interior of a female member e rotatably mounted in a button or cap member 7. The latter has fixed in it a blade" spring 22 against which the crosspiece vblade 33. I

tubular casing 34 which is fitted in a recess 8 presses when it enters the female member e and which maintains the engagement between the two memberswhen connected. In Fig. 18, the pins IL are provided on a male member g and the spring 22 is mounted on theend of the member. .In Figs'. 19 and 2O the button or cap member 7 lhas also rotatably mounted in it a vblock 23 the end 24 of 'which is inclined. The male member g is formed with a cavity 25 so that it p-asses over-the block 23 when it enters the female member e.l The bottom 61 ofthe cavity is the inclined surface 61, yand the block 23 thus prevents relative axial movement between the two members of the device and locks the pins k in engagement with the second set of cam surfaces until it (the block) is again rotated by the key into the position shown in Fig. 19, when relative aX- ial movement to separate the members can be effected. Flats 28, 28a may be formed on. the inclines 24, 61 tofassi'st in retaining the block .23 in its locked position. A sprin 29 may also be fitted in the button or cap to bear against the end of the male member g and press the two members of the device apart. The button or cap member 7 may also have rotatably mounted in it a guard of the key passes. Thehole 31 and the stem of. the key maybe so shaped that only the` mounted ina casing or holder 7 which is fitted f to the door frame 32. The pins la are constituted by the ends of a cross-piece 8 on a stem 9 carried yat the outer end of a spring The blade 33 is mounted in a 35 in the,..door 36, and the inner end of the blade is secured between the sides` of the end of the casingvwhich are closed together.

with and from the second set of cam surfaces of the female member e; In the casing 34 is provided a slidable bolt- 42 adapted to be shot and un-shotby a key co-operating '100 block 30 through a hole 31 in which the steml res with lugs 43, 44 in the known way, and inserted through the key-hole 63. The bolt 42 is supported and guided in its sliding movements by screws 45 which pass through a slot 46 formed in the Hattened part 47 of the casing 34. Vhen the pins h are engaged and the bolt 42 shot, the latter lies between `the thicker part 62 of thel blade 33 and the `members 7,1, each having three sets of'cam surfaces formed on its exterior, are rotatably mounted in apertures 51, 51n in the member 48. Conveniently, the members f, f1 are pivoted between pairs of set screws 52, 52a

-mounted in bosses 48b and they are oppo- Sitely disposed, as illustrated. The carrier 49 is provided with two sets of internal pins li, k1 to co-act with the cam surfaces of the members f, (f, respectively. The member 48 is adapte to be slid in the carrier 49 by a lever 53, the forked arm 53*1 of which engages a projection 54 on the member 48. The member 48 is also provided with stops 55, 55a and has mounted on it spiral springs 56, 56a adapted to thrust between said abut-` ments and the ends ofthe carrier 49,. The

end 48a of the member 48 carries or is connected to the part to be operated. Inthe position of the parts shown in full lines, the member f is engaged with the pins h and j the engagement is maintained by the thrust of the spring 56 between the stop 55 and the adjacent end of the carrier '49. On moving the arm 53a of the 'lever slightly counterclockwise todisengage the member f from the pins la by the action of the pin upon the cam surfaces which rotates the latter to bring an exit `slot into alignment with a pin and then on moving the arm' 53a clockwise into the positionindicated in dotted lines, the member 48 is slid in the carrier 49 and the member f" engaged with the pins k1, the pins by their engagement with the'cam surfaces of f1 4causing, a rotation thereof to lock the parts, the engagement being maintained by t-he springEl thrusting between the stop 55 and the adjacent end of the carrier untilfthelever53 is again operated.

i Fig. 29 illustrates amodifica'tion ofthe previous embodiment in which only a single cam surfacemember .f and a single-set of-V pins z are'employed. A single sprin `56 acting between' a stop 55 on the sli able member 48 and the carrier 49 normally holds the member 48 inthe projected position. The slidable member 48 is retracted against the spring 56 by means of a cord 57 connec-ted to the stop 55and passing over a pulley 58, to engage. the member f with the pins l1, the spring maintaining the engagement until the cord 57 is again operated to release the member f from the pins t when it (the spring) again projects the slidable member 48. i

Figs. 3() and 33 illustrate another way of preventing unintentional separation ofthe two members of the device when connected. In this arrangement the three sets of cam surfaces are provided on the exterior of a male member f', which is made in two parts ff. The two sets of cam surfaces a', b and the slots d are formed on the part f2 and the third set of surfaces c is formed on the part f3. The part f2 is formed with a spigot or reduced portion f4 whereupon the part f3, which is of annular form, is mounted and adapted for rotation relatively to the part The two parts f2, ale connected together by a bolt 59, which also serves to swive-l the member f to a shackle or other support m. The part f2 isv formed with a tapped hole f7, and the part f3 with two holes 7"", f for a pin 60 whereby the two parts are llocked together in the desired relative angular position. Normally, the pin 60 is passed through the hole f5 into the hole f7, as shown in Figs. 30 and 3l, so that connection and disconnection between the member f and the complementary member z' can takeplace. To prevent separation of the members when the pins lz. of the member i are engaged with the second set b of `cam surfaces of the member f, the pin 60 is removed, the part f3 of the member f adjusted angularly relatively to the part f2, and the pin -60inserted through the hole f into the hole f7, as show-n in Figs. 32 and vThe angular adjustment of the third setof cam surfaces relatively tothe second set b contines the pins lz. between the two sets of surfaces, and while allowing the pins zto move axially between the two `sets of surfaces, prevents the pins from being moved angularly by the third set c to pass out through the slots d. i

What I claim kas my invention, and desire to secure by Letters atent is 1. A coupling device comprising two relatively movable elements to be coupled, `one of the elements having a member with a zigzag cam groove therein extendingtransversely of the direction of relative movement and also exit and entrance slots therein leading to spaced sections of the groove,

the other ofthe elements having a member `with ra cam` follower for engagementV with i' the slots and groove whereby upon relative movement ofthe velements in opposite directions the follower will enter the cam groove by means of one slotrto couple the elements and upon continued relative movements of the elements in opposite directions will be released through the other slot, and means for locking the elements against relative movement when the cam follower is in the cam groove intermediate of the slots to thereby prevent uncoupling of the elements.

2. A coupling device comprising two relatively reciprocating parts, one of which has a plurality of cam surface means and the other of which has follower meansA` one of the means being rotatable with respect to 1 part which carries it, a limited reciprocation of the parts causing the rotatable means to be shifted by its engagement with the other means into a locking position in which separation of the parts is prevented and upon further reciprocation to be shifted into unlocked position in which the parts can be separated, and means for resisting reciprocation of the parts when the means are in locked position.

3. A coupling device comprising two rela-v tively and longitudinally reciprocating parts having inter-engaging means operable upon limited longitudinal reciprocations of the parts to lock and then unlockl the parts, and means effective when the parts are in locked position to resist limited longitudinal reciprocations to unlock the parts.

4. coupling device comprising two relatively and longitudinally reciprocating parts having inter-engaging means operable upon limited longitudinal reciprocations of. the parts to lock and then unlock the parts, and means effective when the parts are in locked position to prevent limited longitudinal reciprocations to unlock the parts.

5. A coupling device comprising two relatively reciprocating elements, a cylindrical cam part carried by one element and having a zig-zag cam groove in the same with a )lurality of cam slots leading thereto, a follower part on the other element adapted to enter the groove through one of the slots and by reaction with the walls of the groove during slight relative reciprocations of the elements cause a relative rotary movement of the parts progressively and by steps into a locking position in which the elements are locked against separation. and then through further reciprocations cause a further relative rotary movement of the parts to position the follower part opposite another slot and permit of a. separation of the elements,

and a device effective when the parts are in locking position for resisting reciprocations to unlock the parts. Y

6. A coupling device comprising two relatively reciprocating elements, a cylindrical cam part carried by one element and having a Zig-Zag cam groove in the same with a plurality of cam slots leading thereto, a follower part on the other element adapted to enter the groove through one of the.' slots and by reaction with the walls of the groove during slight relative reciprocations of the elements cause a relative rotary movement of the parts progressively and by steps into a locking position in which the elements are locked against separation, and then through further reciprocations cause a further relative rotary movement of the parts to position the follower part opposite another slot and permit of a separation of the elements, and a device effective when the parts are in locking position forpositively preventing reciprocations to unlock the parts. y i

7 A coupling device comprising two relatively reciprocating elernents, a cylindrical cam part carried by one element and having a zig-zag cam groove in the same with a plurality of cam slots leading thereto, a follower ypart on the other element adapted to enter the groove through one of the slots and by reaction with the walls of the groove during slight relative reciprocations of the elements cause a relative rotary movement of the parts progressively and by steps Vinto a locking position in 'which the elements are locked against separation, and then through further reciprocations cause a further relative rotary movement of the parts to position the follower part opposite another slot and permit a separation of the elements, and a device effective when the parts are in locking position to be manually set to prevent reciprocations to unlock the parts.

l8. A coupling device comprising two rela'- tively and longitudinally reciprocating parts having inter-engaging means operable upon limited longitudinal reciprocations of the parts to lock and then unlock the parts, and means carried by one of the parts and engaging with the other of the parts effective when the parts are in locked position to resist unlocking longitudinal reciprocations of the parts.

In witness whereof l have hereunto set m i hand.

'l WALTER JOHN HOLLCK. 

